Fall 2008

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Feed Your Skin From Within
by Farah Husain, OWNER / Licensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist
Topic : Skincare

I remember when I was growing up that there were all sorts of dietary rules that dermatologists had that were meant to reduce the dreaded teenage pizza face. Among the common pimple-causing suspects were chocolate, greasy food and caffeine. Since the 80’s, much has been learned about the underlying causes of acne. We’ve found that the true culprits are genetic predisposition, overactive sebaceous glands, hormonal fluctuations and stress. If you notice that you break out after eating certain foods it’s more likely that you have an individual sensitivity or mild allergy brought on by that food. That said, the skin is an ORGAN OF ELIMINATION so anything that your body doesn’t like it will try to flush out of your skin.  By paying attention to what your skin reacts to, and how it reacts, you will get more familiar with what your body likes and what it doesn’t.

l take a moderate approach regarding diet’s influence on the skin. Many holistic practitioners and experts say that they have found that “diets of inclusion” are more effective in encouraging consistent wellness. What this means is that by focusing on what you SHOULD include in your diet you won’t feel deprived, and you’ll negate what’s less than optimal in your diet by including more balanced food choices. Doesn’t this sound a little more fun?

The fantastic thing about “skin friendly” foods is that they have nothing to do with the low fat craze! I encourage clients to include monounsaturated fats in their diets (found in olive oil, avocados, nuts and olives), antioxidants (found in green leafy vegetables and fruits), Omega Three Fatty Acids and lean proteins (found in fish), enzymes (found in RAW foods) and plenty of water. I also encourage drinking plenty of green tea as well as replacing soft drinks with my special Pomme Fizz Cocktail.

Pomme Fizz Cocktail
• Mix bubbly water with a small amount of pomegranate juice
• Add a slice of lemon or lime

Delish!

One thing I’ve found to be helpful for both dry and hormonally challenged skin types is an Evening Primrose supplement. Lastly, the homerun health cure-all is probiotics. They ensure the health of the digestive track, which is where most naturopaths believe your immune system is built. Other than yogurt I like to take a pro- and prebiotic supplement from Tao Foods (Minneapolis, MN) called Theralac. It’s quite strong and somewhat pricey, so for those a little less concerned, they also have a great product called Acidopholus Pearls. By taking a probiotic supplement you’ll ensure that you get the most nutrients from the food you eat, and they are said to stabilize your digestion, weight, and energy. Of course make any dietary changes slowly and be sure to consult a doctor before making any major adjustments.

If you would like more information about customizing your diet to your individual skin care needs, call 612.827.8982 to schedule a complimentary skin consult with your next facial with Farah!